Trace elements in the flesh and liver of two fish species from polluted and unpolluted areas of the Aegean Sea

Arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, mercury, rubidium, antimony, selenium and zinc were determined by neutron activation analysis in the flesh and liver of two edible fish, Sargus annularis and Gobius niger, caught in polluted and unpolluted areas of the Aegean sea. Increased arsenic levels were found in the flesh of S. annularis from the polluted areas and in the flesh and liver of G. niger from the Athens sewage outfall area. Similar results were found for mercury levels, though in neither case was the level dangerous for human consumption. No significant differences were found for the other elements studied.